ARCATA &GT;&GT; For the Humboldt State women's basketball team, the road to the playoffs isn't paved with gold.

With the release of the Jacks' 2014-15 season schedule on Wednesday evening, it's clear that road is paved with a tenacious preseason and a cutthroat conference.

After finishing last year's campaign just one game short of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament (15-11 overall, 12-10 CCAA), head coach Joddie Gleason is thrilled to get season underway.

"I am excited about the upcoming season and feel that our tough preseason schedule will prepare us well for the always challenging CCAA schedule," she said in a statement.

One thing she should be excited about is having not just a core of her team returning, but the majority of it.

Humboldt's top three scorers — Kersey Wilcox (15.6 points per game), Megan Shields (11.5 ppg) and Jae Shin (8.5 ppg) — will all be back on the court in the Green and Gold.

"We have 10 returners joined by three redshirts and three transfers, which combine to give us the necessary experience to hit the ground running," Gleason said. "We have filled some necessary holes and have many more weapons who will be exciting to watch this season."

Gleason had to replace graduating seniors Jain Tuey, Kelly Kime and Elle Anderson — who were each leaders on and off the court.

But Gleason and Co. recruited three transfer students, Kelci Haueter, Nyaa Davis and A'jaee Foster, to try to fill out their roster.

"These three transfers complete our roster perfectly and are experienced enough to play right away. They add to our solid group of returners and will help us continue to strive for a CCAA championship," Gleason said after the signing. "The program is currently filled with excellent role models who represent HSU well in the community and in the classroom, as well as on the basketball court. These three additions will continue to add to that tradition of excellence."

Now that the roster has been solidified, the Jacks can concentrate on the upcoming season.

In Humboldt's preseason, there are a few familiar foes they faced last year — Western Washington University, Seattle Pacific and Dominican University of California — but there are some fresh faces on the schedule.

The Jacks open their season with an exhibition game against Simpson University at Lumberjack Arena on Oct. 30 and an alumni game on Nov. 8.

Humboldt faces WWU and SPU on the road during the West Region Crossover Classic and then visits Western Oregon University to finish its three-game stint.

Prior to Thanksgiving, Hope International University — which was 23-10 overall and made an appearance in the NAIA Championship Tournament — visit Lumberjack Arena.

"All three opponents will help prepare us in different ways, and will provide the HSU faithful a glimpse into the team," Gleason said.

The CCAA conference starts on Dec. 5, when the Jacks hit the road to face San Francisco State University and Sonoma State University on back-to-back nights.

Although Humboldt has to start its conference schedule on the road, its final two games against two of last season's playoff teams — UC San Diego and conference champs Cal Poly Pomona — will be at home on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28, 2015.

With the competition the CCAA has to offer, Gleason knows how difficult the season will be.

"The CCAA looks to be extremely challenging, once again, with parity from top to bottom," said Gleason. "I would expect the same amount of competition we saw last season heading into the final weeks as teams vie for the coveted six spots in the CCAA tournament. It should be a great year!"